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Methyl B-12 Review – 8 Essential Things to Know

By Sasha de Beausset Aparicio, MSc

Reviewed by Rebecca Williams, MD, MA, MB, BChir

Last Updated:

Evidence Based | Facts | Ingredients | Health Benefits | Cautions | Price | Dosing | Bottom Line

Methyl B-12 is an over the counter supplement designed to support healthy nerve issue and brain cells, and healthy homocysteine levels. The company that produces and markets this formula is the American manufacturer Jarrow Formulas. The company leads an international business and offers a wide range of dietary formulas for several major categories of conditions classified by the organs and systems they affect. These products target major systems of the human body, as follows: bone and joint, immune, brain, cardiovascular, respiratory, and digestive systems. The company also markets beauty products and children formulations to meet the needs of a wider range of consumers.

Methyl B-12 ingredient is a single vitamin, the active Coenzyme form of vitamin B12, also known as Methylcobalamin. The formula comes in three providing up to 83.3% of the daily recommended dose in a single dose. The formula is recommended for adults interested in supporting adequate neuro-transmission and brain function by providing appropriate amounts of this essential nutrient. The formula is advertised as suited for both vegetarians and vegans whose diets are known to provide less vitamin B-12, and who may be more liable for a deficiency in this nutrient.
Methyl B-12 is not recommended for certain classes of people indicated on the official page of the manufacturer (patients under any other medication, pregnant/nursing women, and women who are trying to conceive).

Facts

1) Methyl B-12 Quick Facts

Vitamin B-12 is a substance essential for the maintenance of healthy levels of red blood cells, for immune system regulation, and for the support of the nervous system. One of its active forms is Methylcobalamin that has been shown to also play an essential role in the methylation reaction meaning it helps in the conversion of homocysteine (a toxic chemical) into methionine, lowering the levels of the harmful substance. This function provides two different types of benefits: first to the heart (lower levels of homocysteine result in healthy cardiovascular function), and secondly to the nervous system (lower levels of homocysteine may facilitate the synthesis of essential neurotransmitters. Several studies have managed to reveal a link between homocysteine and the incidence of Alzheimer’s disease and dementia, indicating a direct relation between these two factors.

Vitamin B-12 seems to have stronger homocysteine reducing properties when combined with vitamins B9 and B6. The compound has also been shown to have mood elevating properties by participating in the synthesis of SAM-e (a nutrient with a great influence on the mood). Methylcobalamin is also used in experimental treatments for autism in combination with other compounds (such as folic acid). Results seem to be promising, but the number and the scale of these studies provides insufficient evidence in this claim so far.

Methylcobalamin is advertised as the more absorbable form of Vitamin B12. Its numerous benefits have not been proven by clinical evidence so far, but the large number of ongoing clinical trials is trying to determine the health benefits of this substance.
Methylcobalamin has also been reported to cause certain unwanted side effects including gastric discomfort, nausea and vomiting, and skin rash. More severe include lower back pain, facial swelling, and breathing difficulties. In these cases, immediate medical assistance is recommended.

Ingredients

2) Methyl B-12 Ingredients

Methyl B-12 contains the following ingredients: Methylcobalamin (Methyl B12), Xylitol, cellulose, stearic acid (vegetable source), natural cherry flavor, citric acid, and Magnesium Stearate (vegetable source).

3) Does Methyl B-12 Work and it is Safe?

Vitamin B12 is one of the several essential nutrients from the B complex of vitamins. The substance is found in various forms in foods like shellfish, oysters, crustaceans (shrimp, lobster, or crab), liver based products, red meat (beef, lamb), eggs, and cheese, as well as fortified products (cereals, soy-based products). The natural form of vitamin B12 is Cobalamin.

Vitamin B12 has been shown to be an essential nutrient for the general health of humans. Mental imbalance (depression symptoms), anemia, and fatigue are only of the few and most important symptoms of a severe deficiency in this vitamin. Prolonged deficiency may lead to permanent damage to the nervous system, which is why it is essential to supply the body with sufficient amounts of vitamin B12 through proper alimentation.
The main benefits of vitamin B12 target different areas of the body. The substance is believed to provide important heart-protective benefits (by lowering the levels of homocysteine, which results in boosted endothelial function that decreases the risk of developing severe heart conditions and supports healthy cardiovascular function). Other significant benefits come from the anti-cancerous and anti-aging properties of vitamin B-12, the neuroprotective properties (some of the primary responsibilities accomplished by this nutrient), and the energy boosting effects.

The common side effects of Methyl B-12 supplements include allergic skin reactions (rash, itching), nausea, or diarrhea. If more severe symptoms occur, the consumer should seek immediate medical assistance.

There are testimonials posted online about Methyl B-12. What is being stated include:
I have tried other sublingual B-12’s (MRM’s) and never noticed much, but this one had excellent results for me/ Helps with diabetic neuropathy and gave me energy. I’ve been taking Methyl B-12 for several years now off and on. I can tell the difference when I am not taking it. So my Methyl-B12 showed up, I eagerly popped one under my tongue, and immediately noticed that my day felt mellow. It only took 2 days in a row of taking supplements to see a HUGE difference when trying to fall asleep at night.

Health Benefits

4) Methyl B-12 Health Benefits

  • Methyl B-12 is produced by an experienced and reputable manufacturer, recognized for the high-quality products offered
  • A monthly dose of the supplement comes at a very affordable price
  • Methyl-B12 reviews are numerous and mostly positive

Cautions

5) What You Need to Know Before Taking Methyl B-12

  • The formula is not sold directly by the manufacturer (online purchasing is only possible through third party retailers)
  • The formula dos not come with a money-back guarantee
  • There is no free sample or free trial period available for the product

Price

6) Methyl B-12 Price

Jarrow Formulas sell methyl B-12 formula in bottles of 60 and 100 lozenges which provide the necessary amounts for approximately three months of use (when the suggested dosage is not exceeded). The product comes in different dosages from 500 mcg per serving up to 5,000 mcg per serving. The formula is sold through online retailers and in pharmacies and healthcare stores all over the world. The manufacturer provides a full list with its US partners, identified after the zip code of the area where they are located.

Given the fact that the formula cannot be purchased online from the official page, the safety of online transactions and delivery costs depend on the policy of each online retailer. No money- back guarantee or free trial is offered directly by the manufacturer.

Dosing

7) Methyl B-12 Serving Size

The recommended dosage for Methyl B-12 is 1 lozenge (for all three dosages).

Bottom Line

8) The Bottom Line – “Does it Work?”

Methyl B-12 is a nutritional supplement based on a very popular ingredient of this type of formulations, usually included along with complementary nutrients (such as other B vitamins). The product is advertised as beneficial for the nervous system and brain cells, but may also improve sleeping patterns, support energy production, and hemoglobin synthesis, promote healthy heart and immune function.

The active ingredient in Methyl B-12 is a superior form of the natural substance known as vitamin B-12. It is one of the several forms needed by the human body in order to maintain proper function of organs such as the brain and the heart. Jarrow Formula’s supplement provides three dosages of this essential nutrient, in order to satisfy the needs of different users. Its cherry-flavored chewable form makes it easy to take and a very effective solution.

However, consumers should keep in mind that there are some unwanted side effects that may occur when consuming such supplements (particularly when large amounts are taken).

5/5 - (1 vote)
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Michael H.

I love this product because it has helped me to focus better and longer and improve my learning abilities considerably. I am able to retain and reproduce newly acquired information more accurately than before and a lot more easily. I never knew that a deficiency in vitamin B12 could have such severe impact on my brain! Thanks to this formula I am more effective and productive both at school, and at work. I love it!

Cristine Vernier

I used to have very high levels of homocysteine which was really affecting my heart. My doctor recommended taking the 5,000 mcg formula from Jarrow Formulas for three months and then come back to repeat the tests. Three months later the levels of homocysteine were back at normal and I could really feel the difference. I now take the 500 mcg formula to maintain a healthy cardiovascular function and prevent heart disease.